Kyle’s hopes are high for Ironman 70.3

THE time for Standard Bank Ironman 70.3 has finally arrived. On Sunday, athletes from around the world will compete at this year’s Ironman 70.3 triathlon in East London.

The race will start at 7am with a 1.9km ocean swim at East London’s Orient Beach. This will be followed by a 90km cycle and wraps up with a 21km flat run consisting of two loops, with spectacular ocean views. In total, athletes will cover a distance of 113km, on a course taking them back to Orient Beach.

South African triathlete and two-times world champion, Kyle Buckingham, will be participating.

IRONMAN HOPEFUL: Kyle Buckingham hopes he can keep the South African flag flying high by winning the Standard Bank Ironman 70.3 in East London on Sunday

“Just two weeks until race day and my lead up to 70.3 South Africa has been great. 70.3 South Africa is always a tricky race to prepare for as you come off a great “off-season” and there is not quite enough time to fully peak. But with every effort to get the maximum potential out of my training sessions I am really looking forward to this race,” he said.

He came sixth in the 2015 event and second last year, and would be hoping that he can go one better by winning it for the Eastern Cape.

Born in Port Elizabeth, home of Ironman South Africa – and the full Ironman – Buckingham already has a couple of achievements to his name. Asked about his race preparations, Buckingham said he has been cycling and running every day with assistance from his wife.

He also said he had had a lot of time to prepare and has worked hard towards his goals for the race.

King William’s Town’s Michael Webb who will also participate in the Ironman 70.3 said: ”My aim this year is of course to beat last years’ time. I want to complete the race earlier than I did last year. The weather is the only concern I have, hopefully it will not be windy.”

Webb went on to say his training routine had been consistent, and included cycling twice a week and even longer distances over weekends.

The famous race will have a total of 117 athletes travelling from 35 different countries around the world to compete in the city.

POPULAR CATEGORY

GO! & Express is a weekly, East London and King William’s Town community newspaper with a circulation of 42 900 copie.
Editorial content is fun, entertainment, strong news stories, school – and community news, what’s on and wining and dining.
The newspaper is also delivered to East Coast Resorts, Kei Mouth, Morgan Bay, Haga Haga, Khomga, East London Suburbs, Duncan Village, Mdantsane, Buffalo Flats, Parkside, Cove Rock, Kidd’s Beach, Christmas Rock, Seavale, Kayser’s Beach, Birha, King William’s Town and surrounds and Bhisho.